Electro Etching Various Metals- Copper, Aluminum, Steel, Damascus

[@keithlane4343]

Excellent video. I've been experimenting with etching using a 12 volt car battery with a battery charger hooked up to it. Using a car battery / charger works, but this method is very slow. I just bought a DC power supply and am just starting to experiment with the settings. It's definitely nice to be able to know how many volts, how many amps you're using, so you can duplicate the process for future projects. Thank you for posting your specific data.

[@retrotech383]

Always wondered how deep etching can go. I have a few idea for logo plaques that would be difficult to engrave with a mill or router, can't laser cut the letters either cus then the middles of O's for example would fall out and i don't want supports. The hope was to get the mass of the letters out so i have a bit of depth to fill with something for a nice contrast to the stainless plate. If all goes to shizzle i could just do what knife makers do and etch the logo, cold blue, and then sand the surface.

[@Ambatufakingnat]

Do you know if scotch Brite removes laser engraving?

[@chananielwizman2401]

aluminum combination of vinyl and shellac hold up against these chemicals, temperatures and voltages?

[@tiagofernandes6848]

Good morning. The water temperature is always at 150 Fahrenheit degrees when it is in the plastic box? I do not think so... could you please answer me this question... thank you so much

[@fleanine]

Hello and thanks for watching ! I mainly heat the water to help dissolve the salt. The warmer temperature helps the etch but it will slowly cool as time goes on. Nothing to worry about.

[@rallymax2]

I copied your method from the old movies and it is by far the best way to do it. Thanks for making the video.

[@fleanine]

The Wild West Workshop Thank you so much for the comment ! I appreciate it! It makes it worth doing when I know people are benefiting from some of these vids. I checked out your vice restore on your channel.. what a great job! I have an old vice from my dad that I’ve been wanting to kind of freshen up, and now i want to do it even more! Thanks again for watching!

[@rallymax2]

fleanine - some day I’ll post a little video of my vintage machine tag restorations. Taking your method and what I’ve worked out for vinyl and for toner transfer will help others I think. Looking forward to the next vid :)

[@RideSlide13]

What is the backing plate from to etch aluminium? Is it just mild steel to transfer the current across a wider area?

[@fleanine]

Yes, I just use mild steel similar to the size that I am etching.

[@Artist_8286]

Which material are you using on a negative site ?

[@debbihenretty5596]

Just wondering about putting metal (copper, ferric chloride) in the micrcowave). Any issues?

[@fleanine]

I would definitely not put any metal objects in a microwave. I do use a plastic cup to heat my ferric chloride with a paper towel over the top but I only do it in a few second increments and keep checking temp to not exceed the recommended maximum temperature of 131 degrees F or 55C.

[@KevinToppenberg]

I really liked the tiger striping of the Damascus steel.

[@dougkehoe3758]

What mat'l us the back plate ?...

[@BraveGirlJudy]

Hi great video I just wanted to ask what u think about using salt. Many are saying it’s dangerous to the lungs I’m kind of confused about it

[@fleanine]

Brave Girl Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for your question.... I have read similar things about the combination of the reaction of these elements.. and want to be careful of how i answer because i am not scientifically certified to make the call.... but just like you wouldn’t spray paint a bathroom and sit inside of it, you wouldn’t want to set up your etching station right next to where you hang out without proper ventilation. I have a separate area of my apartment where i have 2 windows that create a cross breeze in the hall, so i set up, get things going and then come back inside the house. I’m NOT sitting around while it does it’s thing.... I also have a box fan in a window that can help exhaust, but unless I’m doing a lot, i rarely use it. Take care to not breathe excessively while near the etch when the power is on. I think everything nowadays seems dangerous, lol... but if you are careful with common sense and ventilate/ don’t breathe in deep, etc.. In my VERY NON-professional opinion and personal philosophy...Be careful and mindful of what you’re doing and you’ll most likely be ok. Also, i think the frequency in which we engage in these things also plays a part of the danger factor. Be safe -and if it makes you nervous, maybe just create a space somewhere outside you can set up and position yourself safely... I hope that answers your question.. also, i have a brand new etching video that will post in a day or two that also touches on this topic briefly... stay tuned!

[@BraveGirlJudy]

fleanine Thanku so much I so appreciate u taking the time to answer too🦋

[@TheFredmac]

​@@BraveGirlJudythe bubbles coming off the plate are hydrogen and chlorine. He chlorine can damage your lungs.

[@romuloiiisantiago4964]

I am planning to try a 2 ft by 4 ft electro etching. Will the 12 volt battery charger be sufficient to do the job sir? Thanks in advance for replying

[@fleanine]

Ive never done anything at that scale, but I would do a test on something first. It may be beneficial at that length to have two power supplies . One on each end and two grounds. That way your electric current would have to cover less distance and give you a more overall even etch. I am not a professional , and could be wrong. Do a bit of research first. Give it a shot with one power supply and put the ground in the center, and do a few tests before you commit,.. see what happens. Good luck! Thanks so much for watching. Don’t hesitate to subscribe if you thought it was helpful>

[@samehahmed2125]

good vedio, i have a question if you don't mind, i tried to etch steel sheet 30 gauge the same way you did but i didn't get a good result, some areas are deep and some is not deep at all, what is the problem ?

[@theosalt1]

The undercutting on the electrical etching process for the copper sheet is caused by allowing the process going too long and/or current too strong. A lesser amount of either or both would work without the undercutting effect, although the etching may be too shallow for what you want.

[@krishnar1836]

How do you print your masks, Do you have a video on Making these masks.

[@fleanine]

Thanks for watching! I have an older video that uses the same process but for making etched glassware and it shows my process for the vinyl mask making using a Roland vinyl cutter. However……… if you just get the vinyl material you could easily trace out and HAND cut a simple pattern if you needed to. Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWnKZa2IiM14ibs

[@dougkehoe3758]

Oh...here’s one ...how’d u dispose of salt water...I know u can save ferric chloride (can u use FCL3 on aluminum?)

[@dinamicmarch]

I did it in aluminium but it didnt reach more than 1.5 ampers, whats the recopmendation to raise amount of ampers?

[@telwood15]

Kosher salt is used to pickle brisket of beef. Very tasty.

[@larrywelage4767]

how many drops of liver of sulphur

[@fleanine]

larry welage hi and thanks for the question! I appreciate you watching! It only takes a few drops really. I put more than I needed to in this case as it came out a bit quick, , but only a few drops (3-5)are needed for most instances. The actual instructions on packaging say mix 1 teaspoon of the gel with 12 ounces of heated water. Hope that helps!

[@rolandajileye4816]

What is name of the machine or transformer you connect with

[@fleanine]

Hi there thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I appreciate it! The power supply i use is this one ( Dr. Meter 30V 5A DC) www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8DJ8QC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_wfvtEb614ZYGT

[@djecpamba]

Enjoyed your video very much, very informative on the etching process. I’m making a knife for a friend and wanted to etch his initials into the blade. If you are contemplating future vids, one on your stencil creation method would be helpful. I will search the net for more info. Thanks for taking the time to creat and share.

[@fleanine]

djecpamba thank you for watching. I have a few videos about the vinyl cut process i use to make the stencils in my playlists, this video is one kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqvTkml9Ztd6rZo You could also use other types of material or just hand cut some vinyl for masking material as well. Smaller things even packing tape could work. Draw it out with a sharpie and cut it out, then do your etch.

[@dougsteele5387]

I used 2 big sheet of stainless steel. Water bubbles ect looking like yours. But not etching. Do I need to cut the metal down to be fully submurged? Saw you said something about both peices of metal being same size?

[@baljazz]

I have to etch a 4.5 height, 2.5 width, .25 inch thick stainless steel bar. What voltage would you recommend. I am trying to etch a beskar bar. Thanks.

[@pete7433]

So is it possible to etch like 2mm deep?

[@fleanine]

Sure! If you want to check it out, i have a couple other videos in my electro etching playlist. One of them i try to do exactly that to make a branding iron. In the follow up to this video, i do another etch and test the iron. Thanks for watching!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/onfEhKdmaNyHmpI

[@LEO-xo9cz]

"Just make sure you wear your gloves" 😂 That was very informative 👍

[@mrarmtrundle]

I got the power source you recommended but I can’t get the amps above .31 except when I turn it on. Any idea what I’m doing wrong? Thank you for any help. I’m stumped!

[@fleanine]

How much water vs salt are you using? Seems like you’re not getting enough of a current flow.

[@mrarmtrundle]

@@fleanine two cups to about 4 gallons. I heated it like you did and dissolved it in. Do I need more salt?

[@fleanine]

@@mrarmtrundle what type of metal are you etching? Also, Using for the ground? Seems it should work. More salt won’t hurt. Do you have a multimeter or Any other devices you can power up with the supply to verify that it is in fact working correctly?

[@mrarmtrundle]

@@fleanine I do have a tester. I’m using a stainless plate.

[@mrarmtrundle]

@@fleanine etching bronze.

[@PacForeTravel]

I’m debating using this etching technique to golf clubs, do you think I will be able to get great detail in the etch if I prep properly and paint fill it after??

[@fleanine]

PacForeTravel i don’t see why it wouldn’t work... maybe try a small test to verify your settings before you go full on, but i’m sure you can get enough depth to back fill with some paint afterwards. Thanks for watching and commenting, if you decide to do this stop back and let us know how you did!

[@ElderSquatch333]

Hey there, thanks so much for sharing your process and art! It's greatly appreciated by many! I'm curious why 3.3 volts? Is higher voltage better or will it produce different results (if your liquid will allow)? Are amps or volts more important for etching?

[@fleanine]

Hey there thanks for watching. I find that a low voltage for a longer time gets a cleaner etch. Softer and with less pittyness. Also the more electrolytes in the solution helps conduct the current better so you will likely get around four or 5 V. But I wouldn’t go much higher than that. hope that helps .

[@ElderSquatch333]

@@fleanine Awesome! Thanks for the response. How about amperage? Have you played with that for different results? Is there a standard amp rating you use?

[@hyesea2650]

what do you do with the liquid once you finish with it?

[@fleanine]

You can save it for use later or just let is sit and over time it will eventually evaporate. If you save for use later, it helps to add a bit more salt and some warm water.

[@tanwirtanwir9590]

Tq bro,akan aku coba,bermanfaat sekali👍👍

[@misterbigchip9501]

No brass?!? 😢

[@25227168]

What vinyl are you using or does it not matter?

[@fleanine]

I use Oracal vinyl, but most brands will be fine as long as you make sure they adhere correctly and the material is clean before applying. Thanks for watching!

[@25227168]

@@fleanine thank you

[@emptyb9968]

Scherpa would smile. I think: On copper, probably a bit too much voltage (too aggressive). Bring it down a bit maybe 1-2V? and up the time (maybe an hour or more) and I think you’ll get better results. I think you’ll find an intuition quickly. Aggressive (voltage too high) etches have blown edges and pitted appearance. You may want to keep separate baths for iron and copper-based alloys. Seems you may have a solution that changes in aggressiveness depending on what ions are in solution. Wtf do I know? I’m guessing and probably completely wrong.

[@s4nzyG]

Hello! I watched some of your videos on electro etching and I find them fascinating! Your experiments are amazing. Thank you so much for posting them online, the information is very helpful! I study Arts at University and I really enjoy etching. This is a method of etching that I really want to try out. I noticed that copper behaved differently around the edges when electro-etched. This is what I know: copper should be prepared in a certain way before etching in ferric chloride (maybe it applies to electro etching as well). You should add a very thin layer of rosin (very fine powder, not grainy) on the surface of the metal, before applying the vynil. The metal with the rosin is heated up on an electric stove - no flames. As it heats up, the rosin turns into a thin but sticky coat. Then you should throw it in cold water so that the coat gets solid, due to temperature change. Only then put it in ferric chloride or etched like this. From what I know, the rosin helps to corrode the metal evenly. Steel doesn't need this because it is a ferrous metal, whereas copper is not. Maybe it would also help with the edges.

[@2phan]

what's the best setting for deep etching?

[@fleanine]

I would say if you follow what I’ve done in this video and just leave it in the solution longer you will have a pretty deep etch in less than a few hours. Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!

[@2phan]

ok.. i'll try

[@darcylashambe9714]

Thanks very much for sharing your information very helpful 😀

[@fleanine]

I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Glad it was helpful!

[@dolfinmagikpro]

Great job! Great results! No Brass?

[@fleanine]

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment, I really appreciate it! I probably should try brass.. good suggestion, someone else asked about zinc, maybe i'll do both in one video and see what happens!!!

[@simonproctor4882]

Great video, definitely something i want to try. Could you tell me the voltage specs on the power supply you were using please? Can only find 0-32v 5amp machines on amazon. Thanks 👍🏼

[@fleanine]

Hi there thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I appreciate it! The power supply i use is this one ( Dr. Meter 30V 5A DC) www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8DJ8QC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_wfvtEb614ZYGT Hope that helps, and good luck with your projects!

[@johnspencer2382]

Model# PS-305DM 30V -5A

[@jurgenllanes8541]

Pls name of DC machine

[@scottk4247]

Fleanine, Can you make a recommendation for a vinyl cutter? Primarily I would use it for smaller projects, as shown in your video, as well as small logos and lettering with overall dimensions than 11"x17"

[@42105]

I use a portrait 3, so far I like it very much.

[@bigtallslim]

would zinc work?

[@7ftmedic]

Will this technique work with titanium?

[@victorcardozo7619]

the cathode of what material is it?

[@fleanine]

I tried to use the same cathode as the anode. Steel =steel aluminum= aluminum. Etc.

[@craigbastian725]

So you need to use same type of metal on your negative conductor as you're etching?

[@fleanine]

Not necessarily. I’ve done copper with a steel cathode as well as aluminum. Results vary.. just varies on voltage and amperage etc... thanks for watching !!

[@jlosb-drum9865]

Hello! Very good job men! Just one question, I would like to know where did you buy your dr meter ps 305 dm, i want the same, it a chineese equipement or not? Thanks a lot for your vidéo ;) great!

[@valerieb5551]

jl Osb-Drum I’m not sure where he bought his but I got mine from amazon.

[@larrywelage4767]

Where can I purchase these two items

[@roma10011]

What's the kosher salt ?

[@carpenterfamily6198]

5:55 Power Supply ~ make & model 🙂 6:25

[@fleanine]

Hi there thanks for watching … The power supply i use is this one ( Dr. Meter 30V 5A DC) www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8DJ8QC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_wfvtEb614ZYGT Hope that helps, and good luck with your projects!

[@MrMacz28]

What kind of metal is on the cathode side?

[@Roel_Scoot]

evrything goes

[@vincentlapointe4273]

very cool and very interesting. did you try to etch zinc?

[@fleanine]

thanks for watching and for your comment!! I haven't tried zinc as of yet but stay tuned... maybe i'll do one in an upcoming vid!

[@vincentlapointe4273]

@@fleanine to be honest with you I am a big wrestling fan and wrestling belts are made out of zinc. anxious to see that video brother thank you.

[@dougsteele5387]

Doesn't work good with zinc, use copper sulfate with zinc. Also if you're looking into making a belt, try metal casting, zinc is pretty easy to melt down, about 750 degrees

[@roma10011]

What's process for stainless

[@stephenhanson3309]

ferric chloride not heated always worked for me.

[@nanoblasting]

thank you 🙏

[@vicentetiu235]

Hello sir gud evening 1 of ur men watching you tube, sir! Can u share me the itch of plexiglass, what acid or chemical to itch burn the surface of plexiglass GBU

[@Roel_Scoot]

chloroform

[@Electronics-n2w]

Very nice information thanks

[@waveformmetarts]

Have u tried stainless steel?

[@GarageKnight]

Thank you very much for this video, this is very informative

[@fleanine]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@LEO-xo9cz]

Why does it need Kosher salt?

[@scottk4247]

Kosher salt is essentially the same as table salt, they are both sodium chloride - NaCl. However, because it is "kosher" you can assume that there are no additives such as anti-caking agents or iodine. Kosher salt is likely used to avoid the introduction of anything other than NaCl.

[@oldreprobate2748]

You van suspend the copper etching solution in a plastic bag suspended and submerged in a pot of hot water to initiate temperature and maintain it. Use a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature.

[@danimaster01]

How did you make such clean masks for the aluminum? No way that was done by hand

[@fleanine]

danimaster01 hey there thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment... I have a vinyl cutter that i used for the ones in this video .... but you could potentially use a contact paper or vinyl, and print /trace / cut out with an exacto knife and get a similar result.

[@danimaster01]

@@fleanine ok thank you so much. It looks amazing honestly. Gonna try and see if I can't make my own

[@fleanine]

danimaster01 thanks again... if ya give it a shot, let me know how it went for you! Good luck!

[@randyosgood4729]

This is a great video, I'll use your methods to etch aluminum plate. One observation: are you looking for a constant, consistent DC current rather than DC voltage? Thanks!

[@MrCcarter7]

Good instructional video on electro-etching and best results with copper and Damascus steel using ferric chloride. Appreciate your time posting this! God bless in Jesus' name.

[@mihazajc7395]

Is kosher salt baking soda? What should be the ph value? I tried exactly the same as your video shows but nothing happens. They are just bubbles. I tried with baking soda.I left it in the solution for three hours and there was very little effect

[@fleanine]

You would need to use straight salt. Baking soda will not work. I add about a half a container (around 8 oz) of KOSHER salt to about 3 gallons of water for a good mix. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@mihazajc7395]

@@fleanine Thanks for the quick reply👍

[@mihazajc7395]

@@fleanine Unfortunately, Kosher salt is not available in our country. Would sea salt be suitable as well?

[@fleanine]

@@mihazajc7395 that should work as well.

[@mihazajc7395]

@@fleanine It works. Some videos are with baking soda and I don't understand how you can etching with baking soda if it doesn't work. You helped me a lot. Thank you again.👍😀

[@silenttraveler2710]

If your Farts smell like Liver of Sulfur you should change your diet LOL

[@fleanine]

True. But I never said it smelled like MY farts LOL. In hind sight i should have just said boiled eggs , but when I’m narrating on the fly sometimes the words don’t come to me right at the time I need them!! Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!

[@RS-ec5bx]

Nice video! Please be careful with the gases coming out of that solution, very harmful to your lungs. Even if you have ventilation in the room, you're working pretty close to it so you should wear a respirator. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@xbosox]

Almost to 2K! Nice work brotha. And the F is wit yo phone guy?? Need new cams. ;}

[@fleanine]

Thanks man! New video coming soon with brand new 4K ! Gonna review a Gerber vs. Leatherman issue I’m having- should be a good one. May end up goin thru the knife collection in the process .. stay tuned!

[@javieruriel]

i like it , BAAMM, ill try with silver

[@hauuau]

Using a flame torch right next to a bottle full of IPA is really really bad idea. I've seen IPA vapor explosions, it's incredibly nasty.

[@dixon_est]

"Kosher salt" :-D What's the point of having it kosher?

[@stephenhanson3309]

non iodized

[@scottk4247]

I believe the reason your voltage and current showed different values has everything to do with the poor quality of your power supply. I have experience with that very brand and model, and the quality and assembly was terrible. Also, the Amazon reviews are filled with people who experienced the same issues... its inability to provide either constant voltage or constant current. Apparently It's only intended to provide one constant value, but in my experience it won't even do that.

[@judykonopka9029]

Use a filter when you pour this down the drain. Otherwise, these metals go into ponds, rivers etc.

[@fleanine]

Good advice. I usually hold on to the mix and reuse it as many times as I can. I also rotate the container/tub so the tank with spent water evaporates and I can just clean out what’s left by hand. Nothing goes down the drain. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!!

[@st0n3p0ny]

Pro tip. There's enough pure oxygen and hydrogen collected above that water to destroy your ear drums and crack your windows if you get a spark.

[@fleanine]

I generally try to ventilate and circulate air when I am not around it, but I have heard similar things. I’m thinking maybe I’ll do a “controlled experiment ” I think that would be a great video idea! See if I can actually get something to explode ( while taking necessary precautions and at small scales to begin with) I think that would be interesting!!! What do you think??

[@st0n3p0ny]

@@fleanine Sounds great. It's a good excuse to build an HHO generator. You already have everything you need (the most expensive piece is the power supply that you already have). Then you'll have a powerful little cutting torch with no need for big oxy acetylene tanks. And you can blow things up. If you get your hands wet you can pick up a pile of HHO bubbles and safely light it, with hearing protection because it's a serious bomb going off right in your face.

[@dougkehoe3758]

Oop...never mind.

[@scottbc31h22]

WARNING This procedure will produce pure hydrogen gas and pure oxygen gas. VERY FLAMMABLE